Mary stood beneath her Son on Good Friday with no place to rest her heart!
Good Friday at St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Casa Grande, many people came out to walk the stations set up by parishioners all around the outside of our church. Families volunteered to decorate each of the 14 stations.
Walk with us “The New Way of the Cross” written by Fr. Ruperto C. Santos, STL.
The First Station – The Last Supper
We gather together with our Lord and the 12 Apostles – The Holy Eucharist that you have instituted has left us examples of your service and humility.
The 2nd Station – The Agony in Gethsemani
“Father, not my will but let your will be done unto me.” Your total abandonment and obedience to the Father give us examples of deep faith and trust in him.
Grant us the courage to speak for the truth rather than deny it.
Oftentimes, we hurt others by our words or actions as we are also hurt by others. “Whatever you do to the least of my brothers, you have done it to me.”
Lord Jesus, you accepted your cross which was too heavy for your frail body. Help us Lord, to get out of our self-centeredness, and learn to lift up the burden of others.
Sixth Station – Jesus Falls – Lord Jesus, because of the weight of the cross you were completely drained of your strength. You taught us – We should not remain where we have fallen; but, learn and grow from it. Lord Jesus Crucified- Have Mercy on us!
How greatly you have appreciated Simon of Cyrene who helped you carry the cross even if he did not volunteer to do it. May we not be afraid nor reluctant to give a helping hand.
“Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me. Weep for yourselves and for your children. ” Instead of crying over your sufferings, we should cry over our sins.Lord Jesus, help us to keep in mind that when we sin we are also stripping you. We are again nailing you to the cross.
Jesus, instead, forgets the dark spots in people’s lives and forgives. Should we not imitate him?Jesus gave us His Mother as our Mother.As Mary cared for Jesus in the stable at Bethlehem so now He cares for her on Calvary.Lord, while you were suffering on the cross, you did not dwell on your sufferings, but instead you were thinking of humankind…..”Father, forgive them…”Jesus has left his disciples when he died but his teachings and his works made him very much alive to them. May someone say to you – ” I know Jesus is alive because of the way you live.”
The Resurrection of Jesus– The Angel spoke, ” There is no need for you to be afraid. I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said he would, come and see the place where he lay, then go quickly and tell his disciples: “He has risen from the dead!”
Lord Jesus, you accepted your cross which was too heavy for your frail body. Help us Lord, to get out of our self-centeredness, and learn to lift up the burden of others. 
How greatly you have appreciated Simon of Cyrene who helped you carry the cross even if he did not volunteer to do it. May we not be afraid nor reluctant to give a helping hand.
